Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles: The Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Brunch Recipe

Hot honey chicken and waffles is the perfect sweet, savory, and spicy dish that combines crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a sticky, flavorful hot honey glaze. This Southern classic has been taken to the next level with spicy honey, adding a fiery kick to the indulgent combination.

But how do you achieve perfectly crispy fried chicken, light and airy waffles, and a balanced hot honey sauce? In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from the history of the dish to pro tips for making it restaurant-quality at home.

For those who love a unique twist on waffles, try making mochi waffles for a crispy outside and chewy inside. They pair perfectly with spicy fried chicken!

The History of Chicken and Waffles

The history of chicken and waffles is as layered as its flavors. While many consider it a quintessential Southern dish, its true origins are a subject of debate. Two main versions of this dish have emerged over time, each with its own unique twist and cultural significance.

Southern Soul Food Tradition: A Jazz-Era Favorite

The most well-known version of chicken and waffles comes from African American soul food culture, particularly in the Southern United States. While fried chicken and waffles may not seem like a natural pairing at first glance, it was a staple meal in Black communities, where both elements were cooked separately but often enjoyed together.

How Did It Become Popular?

• During the early 20th century, this dish gained widespread recognition in Harlem, New York, where soul food restaurants began serving it as a late-night meal.
• Jazz musicians and nightclub performers—who often finished their shows well past midnight—craved something hearty that was not quite breakfast and not quite dinner.
• Chicken and waffles became the perfect compromise, offering savory, crispy fried chicken alongside sweet, fluffy waffles drizzled with syrup.

One of the most famous soul food restaurants that helped popularize the dish was Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, which opened in Los Angeles in 1975. Thanks to its celebrity clientele and media exposure, the dish became a national phenomenon.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Version: A Homestyle Classic

While the soul food version is the most widely recognized today, a completely different take on chicken and waffles has existed for centuries in Pennsylvania Dutch (Amish) communities.

Key Differences from the Southern Version:

• Instead of fried chicken, the Pennsylvania Dutch version features shredded stewed chicken.
• Instead of hot honey or syrup, this dish is served with a thick, savory gravy poured over the waffles.
• The waffles themselves are usually plain or lightly buttered, acting as a base for the chicken and sauce rather than a sweet component.

This version was hearty and practical, as shredded stewed chicken was easier to prepare in large batches and made use of leftover roasted poultry. It was (and still is) often served at church gatherings, family dinners, and rural diners in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

The Modern Twist: Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

While chicken and waffles have been a beloved American dish for decades, the addition of hot honey is a relatively new innovation—and it has quickly gained popularity.

How Did Hot Honey Become Popular?

• The rise of Nashville hot chicken—a spicy, cayenne-coated fried chicken that originated in Tennessee—made people fall in love with the combination of heat and sweetness.
• Hot honey sauce, which combines natural honey with chili peppers, became a trendy condiment thanks to its balance of sweetness and spice.
• The blend of sweet, crunchy waffles, crispy fried chicken, and spicy-sweet hot honey glaze created an irresistible fusion of flavors.

Today, hot honey chicken and waffles is a brunch favorite found in trendy cafes, Southern-style restaurants, and home kitchens across the country. It represents the evolution of classic dishes, merging traditional flavors with bold, modern twists. Whether you prefer the soul food classic, the Pennsylvania Dutch homestyle version, or the fiery kick of hot honey, one thing is certain—this dish is here to stay.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

Essential Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless tenders)
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups flour (for dredging)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1¾ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey (raw or clover)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)

Must-Have Equipment

✔ Deep fryer or cast-iron skillet – For perfectly crispy chicken
✔ Waffle iron – Choose Belgian for thick waffles or classic for crispier texture. Check out this waffle irons review that can be helpful.
✔ Digital thermometer – Ensures oil is at the right temperature for frying

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (4 hours or overnight)

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for the best flavor).

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
4. Carefully place the chicken in hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy (~8-10 minutes).
5. Remove and drain on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Waffles

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix!).
4. Preheat your waffle iron and cook the waffles until golden and crisp.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, and smoked paprika.
2. Stir in butter for extra richness.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Place a crispy waffle on a plate.
2. Add a piece of fried chicken on top.
3. Generously drizzle with hot honey glaze.
4. Serve with butter and extra honey on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

Achieving restaurant-quality hot honey chicken and waffles at home requires attention to detail. From ensuring the chicken stays crispy to perfecting the texture of the waffles, a few key techniques can make all the difference.

Double Dredge the Chicken for Extra Crispiness

One of the biggest mistakes when frying chicken is not getting a crunchy enough crust. The best way to ensure a thick, crispy coating that stays crunchy even after adding hot honey is by using the double dredge method.

How to Properly Double Dredge Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to enhance moisture and tenderness.
2. Prepare a seasoned flour mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip it back into the buttermilk marinade for a second coating.
5. Dredge the chicken a second time in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a textured, craggy surface.
6. Let the dredged chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying—this helps the coating adhere properly.

By using this method, you get an extra crispy and textured crust that holds up beautifully under the hot honey glaze.

Use Cornstarch in the Waffle Batter for a Crispier Texture

A common mistake with waffles is that they can turn out too soft or soggy, especially when topped with fried chicken and syrup. To achieve light and crispy waffles, adding cornstarch to the batter is a game-changer.

Why Cornstarch Works

• Cornstarch has a lower protein content than flour, which helps create a crispier exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
• It absorbs less moisture, preventing waffles from becoming soggy under syrup or hot honey.
• Many professional bakeries use cornstarch in their waffle batter to achieve that delicate crunch.

How to Incorporate Cornstarch into hot honey chicken and waffles

• Replace ¼ cup of flour with cornstarch in the recipe.
• Mix it evenly with the dry ingredients before adding wet ingredients.
• Cook the waffles on a high-heat waffle iron for the crispiest results.

This small change makes a huge difference, ensuring that every bite of waffle remains crispy even when paired with juicy fried chicken and hot honey.

Let the Fried Chicken Rest for 5 Minutes to Retain Its Crunch

A common mistake when frying chicken is serving it immediately after it comes out of the oil. While it may seem tempting to eat it right away, this can cause the coating to become soft and lose its crunch due to trapped steam.

Why Resting the Chicken is Crucial

• Freshly fried chicken continues to cook slightly from residual heat. Allowing it to rest ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist while maintaining crispiness.
• If served too quickly, the heat from inside the chicken creates steam, which can soften the crispy coating.
• Resting the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels prevents it from becoming soggy.

How to Rest Fried Chicken for Maximum Crunch

• Once the chicken is fried to a deep golden brown, transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps steam and softens the crispy exterior.

By following this simple step, your chicken will stay crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside, even after drizzling it with hot honey glaze.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for your Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

To complete your meal, serve hot honey chicken and waffles with:
✔ Sweet potato cornbread – Try this Southern-style sweet potato cornbread for a perfect pairing.
✔ Pickles or slaw – Cuts through the richness.
✔ Iced coffee or fresh orange juice – Balances the heat.

FAQs: Answering Common Questions

Q: How do I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
A: Use cornstarch in the dredge and fry at the right temperature.

Q: Can I make hot honey in advance?
A: Yes! Store in a jar at room temperature for up to a week.

Q: What’s the best waffle type for this dish?
A: Belgian waffles are thicker and soak up the honey well.

Q:Can I air fry the chicken instead?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles: The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Spicy, and Savory

Few dishes deliver the bold and complex flavors of hot honey chicken and waffles. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together crispy, golden fried chicken, light and fluffy waffles, and a rich, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze that ties everything together.

The beauty of hot honey chicken and waffles lies in its contrast of textures and flavors:

• Crispy, juicy fried chicken provides a deep, savory crunch.
• Warm, buttery waffles add a fluffy, slightly sweet base.
• Spicy hot honey glaze infuses every bite with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Whether you’re making this dish for brunch, a special dinner, or a weekend indulgence, it always delivers an explosion of flavor that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles Dish

✔ Restaurant-quality at home – Master the techniques for ultra-crispy chicken and light, airy waffles.
✔ Perfect for any meal – A brunch favorite that also works for lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out the waffle type, or experiment with different toppings.

For those looking to expand their chicken-based breakfast options, check out these delicious chicken and egg breakfast ideas for even more ways to start your day with protein-packed goodness. Plus, if you’re looking for other brunch ideas, check out this crescent roll recipe or matcha chia pudding recipe.

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